Carl Claus

Carl Claus, 83, a longtime resident of Fredonia, Kansas, died Saturday, February 23, 2013 at Wilson Medical Center in Neodesha, Kansas. He was born September 14, 1929 near Lucas, South Dakota at the family farm to Wilhelm Carl and Bessie (Totton) Claus. Carl was the middle child of five born to his parents. At the age of 15, Carl joined the United States Navy and was honorably discharged that same year due to his age. Carl worked his way from South Dakota to El Dorado, Kansas as an auto body worker. During that time, he met and fell in love with Hila Jane Culbertson. The couple wed September 18, 1954 in El Dorado. Carl was the plant and production manager at IMCO from 1968 to 1981 in Neodesha. From there he did auto body work in Iola and El Dorado. He retired in 1992. Carl was a member of the First Christian Church in Fredonia where he served as a deacon. He was passionate about gardening and would grow an entire vegetable garden from seeds in his greenhouse. In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in death by his loving wife, Hila, two sisters, Violet and Almeta, and one brother, Harold. His survivors include: Four children: Danny Hawley of Coffeyville, Kansas Mike Claus and his wife Anita of Neodesha, Kansas Melinda Miner and her husband Larry of Altoona, Kansas Charity Davisson of Independence, KS Brother: Claris Claus of South Dakota Seven grandchildren: Danny Carl Hawley of Tulsa, Oklahoma Kayla Connor of Fredonia, Kansas Kelly Robinson of Emporia, Kansas Dana Morris of Neodesha, Kansas Michael Claus of Neodesha, Kansas Brastin Hinds of Independence, Kansas Seth Hinds of Independence, Kansas Ten great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at the First Christian Church in Fredonia with Carl Thornton officiating. Burial will be in the Fredonia City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday 4:00-6:00 P.M. at Timmons Funeral Home. A memorial has been established in Carl"s name with the American Heart Association and contributions can be sent to the funeral home. Words of condolence for the family may be left on this website. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS, 66736, is in charge of the arrangements.